Iraq entry requirements for Germany passport holders
Verified May 13, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
German passport holders can get a visa on arrival when entering Iraq. This is valid for stays up to 30 days and is available at major airports like Baghdad and Erbil. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but requires a few key documents ready before you travel.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Apply for an Iraqi eVisa at evisa.iq before departure. The online form takes about 15 minutes — upload a passport-style photo and a copy of your passport bio page. Approval typically comes within 3–5 business days, but apply at least a week before your flight to be safe.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your German passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Iraq. Airlines at Frankfurt and Munich check this strictly — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Iraq | Immigration officers at Baghdad International Airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready — they may not accept a verbal explanation. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your Iraqi host. Officers at the border sometimes ask for this, especially if you're arriving without a pre-arranged tour or business contact. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Have bank statements or a credit card statement showing at least $500 USD available. Immigration rarely asks, but if you're flagged for additional screening, they'll want to see you're not travelling without means. | Recommended |
Security situation
Iraq has active conflict zones and security risks. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. Avoid non-essential travel to areas like Mosul, Anbar, and the Syrian border.
Visa on arrival only at airports
This facility is only available at Baghdad International Airport (BGW) and Erbil International Airport (EBL). If you arrive by land or sea, you need a visa from an Iraqi embassy beforehand.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
Land at Baghdad International Airport (BGW) or Erbil International Airport (EBL). Follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'.
2
Queue at the visa counter
Join the line at the visa-on-arrival desk. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation booking ready. The officer will process your visa (usually takes 5–10 minutes).
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the fee in cash (USD or IQD). As of 2026, it's around $75 USD. Keep small bills handy.
4
Receive your visa and enter
The officer stamps your passport with a visa sticker. Then proceed to passport control, show your passport, and you're in. Total time: 15–30 minutes.
Download Iraq Entry Checklist
PDF · Germany Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 13, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
CostFree (0 USD) for visa on arrival; otherwise ~$50 USD if pre-arranged
Available at airports and land borders for German passport holders.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost~$100 USD
Requires pre-approval from Iraqi embassy; not available on arrival.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost~$80 USD
Requires invitation letter from Iraqi company.
work visa
Iraq Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (processing fee)
For foreign nationals employed by an Iraqi company or organization. Requires a work permit and sponsorship from the employer.
student visa
Iraq Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD
For those enrolled in an accredited Iraqi educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Iraq Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD
For individuals investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in an Iraqi business. Requires proof of investment and business registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)German passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival at certain entry points, typically free of charge for a limited stay. | Free (0 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are charged daily; maximum cap may apply. Pay at immigration office before departure. | 10,000 IQD (~7 USD) per day |
| Stay extension feeExtension of stay may be possible at immigration offices for a fee, subject to approval. | 50,000 IQD (~35 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Iraq
No transit visa needed
German passport holders transiting through Iraq airports do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Transit without visa is allowed for up to 24 hours if staying airside.
- Passengers with a visa for a third country may transit without additional documentation.
Transit hubsBaghdad International Airport (BGW) · Erbil International Airport (EBL) · Basra International Airport (BSR)
Health & vaccines for Iraq
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)Essential
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria)Moderate risk
Present in some areas, especially rural; use insect repellent and mosquito nets.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Air pollutionModerate risk
High levels of dust and pollution in cities can aggravate respiratory conditions.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk exists in rural areas, especially in the north and south. Prophylaxis recommended for travelers to those regions.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Baghdad
Directorate of Residence and Citizenship
Al-Karrada, Baghdad, Iraq
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters. Bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
Erbil
Erbil Immigration Office
60 Meter Road, Erbil, Kurdistan Region
Sun–Thu 08:30–14:30
Handles visa extensions for the Kurdistan Region. Often faster than Baghdad.
Practical information for DE travellers
Country basics
CapitalBaghdad
LanguageArabic, Kurdish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 3 months, but an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyIraqi dinar (IQD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1,308.79 IQD
Time zone
Local timeUTC+3
vs New York+8h
vs Los Angeles+11h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,D,GTypes C (Europlug), D (old British), and G (British) are used.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No. German passport holders can get a visa on arrival at major airports like Baghdad and Erbil. No pre-approval needed.
Up to 30 days. If you need longer, you'll have to apply for an extension at the Iraqi Ministry of Interior in Baghdad or Erbil.
Yes, but it's not automatic. You must apply in person at the Residency Department in the province where you're staying. Extensions are usually granted for 30 days and cost around $50–$100 USD.
You'll be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
Not officially required for entry, but strongly recommended. Medical evacuation can cost thousands, and local hospitals may require upfront payment.
No. Visa on arrival is only available at airports. Land borders (e.g., from Turkey or Iran) require a pre-arranged visa from an Iraqi embassy.
USD is widely accepted. Bring crisp, new $100 bills. The fee is around $75 USD. Have smaller bills for change.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 13, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.